DENVER, July 29 — (PRNewswire) — During a press conference today, world-renowned architect, engineer and artist,
Santiago Calatrava unveiled his preliminary design for Denver International Airport's (DIA) South Terminal Redevelopment Program.
Mayor John W. Hickenlooper and DIA Manager of Aviation, Kim Day, joined the architect on stage as he shared his concept for the redevelopment, which will not only enhance the airport's connectivity and functionality, but is also expected to create more than 6,600 jobs.

The project, one of the largest in the country, includes the construction of a signature rail bridge, a terminal train station, a 500-room hotel and conference center and a multi-function civic plaza complete with retail and concessions. The rail station, plaza and hotel will form a highly integrated and dynamic complex, located directly south of the Jeppeson Terminal.

"My goal in designing a train station adjacent to such an iconic structure as the Jeppeson Terminal has been to complement it with a design of independent identity and equal quality," said Santiago Calatrava, designer of the South Terminal Redevelopment Program. "It is my sincere hope that the vision expressed in this proposal not only respects and complements the existing architecture, but enables Denver International Airport to continue to serve as a landmark for centuries to come."

Denver International Airport is currently one of the few major airports in the world without a passenger rail link to the downtown city core. To provide local, regional, national and international customers with a modern transportation hub that is more efficient and comfortable, Calatrava and DIA are collaborating with RTD to provide a signature bridge and terminal station as part of the new commuter rail service between DIA and downtown Denver's Union Station. Completion of the bridge and station are currently scheduled for 2015.

"Denver International Airport is one of the most envied facilities in the industry," said Denver Manager of Aviation, Kim Day. "With the addition of the rail connection to our city core and the hotel, we will be truly competitive with major international airports worldwide. The design concept integrates the key elements of the redevelopment program, and provides an enhanced passenger experience, while improving the connectivity for passengers and employees alike."

As Denver International Airport continues to expand its role as an economic engine for the City and County of Denver and the State of Colorado it will transform into a micro-city, with increased revenue potential. The new hotel and conference center are key components of this new development, along with a civic plaza that provides restaurants and commercial retail, as well as space for special programs including exhibitions, art fairs and other special events.

Calatrava's concept for the South Terminal Redevelopment Program is the first phase of a planned enhancement of Denver International Airport and is already asserting itself as an icon for 21st century airport design.

For more information on Denver International Airport, please contact Denver International Airport Public Affairs at 303.342.2250 or
Email Contact.

ABOUT SANTIAGO CALATRAVA

Santiago Calatrava's name has been most closely associated with his celebrated designs of bridges and transportation centers built throughout the world. Highlights of his work include designs for: The Milwaukee Art Museum in Wisconsin (2001), the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (2004), the Light Rail Train Bridge in Jerusalem (2007) the Quarto Ponte sul Canal Grande in Venice (2008) and the Liege-Guillemins TGV Railway Station in Belgium (2009). He is currently working on a variety of design and construction projects throughout the world including: The World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York; the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas; the expansion of the Denver International Airport; The Peace Bridge in Calgary; Citta dello Sport, Rectorate and Campus Master Plan for Roma II University in Tor Vergata, Italy and Yuan Zen University in Taiwan.